Vision and Mission (adopted 2005; revised 2019)

We envision a community of students, inspired by transformative teaching, who will contribute profoundly to the world as intellectual leaders.

We develop the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student in a community dedicated to academic excellence, personal responsibility, and service to others.

Credo (adopted 1986)

- We are committed to honesty, justice, charity, and the pursuit of knowledge.
- We respect the dignity and worth of all human beings—their thoughts, their feelings, and their individuality.
- We seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit.
- We strive to be responsible and contributing members of our families, our school community, and the world.

PolyHonor

The purpose of PolyHonor is to give our students and faculty the opportunity to affirm their commitment to the essential principles of our Mission, Credo, Vision, and Philosophy and to recognize their role in shaping the community. Our intention is for PolyHonor to permeate the climate and culture of the entire school community and become one of the defining characteristics of a Poly education. 

PolyHonor Timeline


Philosophy

Polytechnic School was founded on the principles of academic excellence, personal and communal responsibility, and service to others. The school seeks students who are inquisitive and motivated to learn, faculty who are passionate about their fields of study, and staff who are devoted to supporting the educational mission of the school. 

A central focus of Poly is to offer a transformative academic program that is responsive to the developmental and learning needs of our students. Integral to the education experience at Poly are activities beyond the classroom including athletics, outdoor education, community outreach, and the visual and performing arts. Poly’s teachers, coaches, and administrators understand the vital link between these activities and classroom learning, promote collaboration, leadership, and respect for the world beyond the school.

At Poly’s core is a commitment to respect every member of its community. The Poly community appreciates the cultural, ethnic, and economic diversity present in the Pasadena area and strives to reflect it. The school provides a welcoming environment for all students and their families. Members of the Poly community appreciate and learn from individual differences, foster the ability to disagree with civility, and embody courtesy and compassion.

A Poly education encourages students to become intellectual leaders, who are prepared to become contributing and responsible citizens in their communities. The goal of Poly is to have graduates prepared to meet the complexities of a changing world with confidence and good character.